Most of us would be worried about job security if our boss hired someone new to our position. T.J. Ward doesn’t feel the same way.
In the 2016 Draft, the Broncos picked up two safeties, Justin Simmons in the third round and Will Parks in the sixth. However, Ward feels that his job is secure.
“I’m doing everything in my power to help them,” Ward said in an interview with Les Shapiro on Afternoon Drive on Mile High Sports AM 1340 | FM 104.7. “If I do what I have to do, I’m not worried about anyone behind me.”
A little friendly competition is never a bad thing at OTAs. While neither Simmons nor Parks will likely threaten his starting spot, Ward realizes he still has to prove himself.
“If I stay on my ‘A’ game then I have nothing to worry about. And if I don’t, it doesn’t matter who they bring in, they’re going to replace me.”
Replacing the two-time Pro Bowler’s productivity will be tough. In two years with the Broncos he’s amassed 135 combined tackles in 27 games. Ward has two years remaining at a relatively inexpensive $5.75 million per year (for a player of his caliber), so cost shouldn’t be much of a factor either.
Drafting two safeties doesn’t seem to be an indictment on Ward’s play or an indication of his job security, after losing both David Bruton and Omar Bolden to free agency, Denver became immediately thin at safety behind Ward and Darian Stewart.
The good news for Broncos fans is that Simmons and Parks appear to be quick studies. Last Thursday they both had interceptions at practice. T.J. Ward is ready for the competition, and it appears to be coming.
For the full discussion, plus Ward’s thoughts on why this year’s defense will be better than last year, click the podcast below…
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